Our PROJECTS

The following list shows the portfolio of independently verified projects that have been selected by Yacht Carbon Offset to provide the greenhouse gas savings that balance the carbon emissions from your yacht's engines.

Unlike some of the lower budget projects behind some mass-market offset solutions, our selected projects meet stringent criteria for the traceability of individual project actions, the measurement of achieved CO2e emissions savings and for the independent verification and certification of the carbon credits generated. We judge that this offers a more robust Carbon Offset, consistent with your high expectations.

Turkey – Wind Power (2)

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Overview: Wind power plant generating renewable energy.

The project consists of 15 wind turbines, with a combined generating
capacity of 31.5MW, with associated infrastructure for connection
to the Turkish National Power Grid. It is located near the Aegean
coast, close to the town of Didim in the province of Aydin. The
project was commissioned in March and April 2009.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

This Project delivers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by
avoiding carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by
fossil fuel power plants connected to the Grid. These emission
reductions were quantified using the CDM methodology ACM002 version
07, and are equivalent to 0.644 tonnes CO2 for each megawatt-hour
of electricity generated by the Project.

The increasing share of renewable power provides diversity in
Turkey’s generation mix, and reduces import dependency of the fossil-fuel
weighted electricity sector in the country. Air quality improvements
arise in proportion to the avoidance of fossil fuel consumption
by regional power stations.

The Project contributes to local employment, with 18 local employees
in place during the operational period (as at March 2011). The
project developers also contributed to essential local services
by building a bazaar for local villagers.

Project carbon credits

The project methodology was validated by TÜV Rheinland in 2008.
During the year to 31 March 2011, greenhouse gas reductions by
this project totalled 60,852 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and carbon
credits were verified to the Gold Standard in July 2011 by RINA
S.p.A. (Certificate available upon request).

New Caledonia – Wind power plant

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Overview: Two wind farms generating renewable energy

The Pacific archipelago New Caledonia, a French Overseas Territory,
is surrounded by a barrier reef enclosing one of the largest lagoons
in the world. The islands’ dependence on (imported) fossil fuel
is reduced by these renewable power projects, which comprise over
100 small wind turbines, at two different locations on the principal
island, Grand Terre.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and wider community benefits

This project delivers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by
displacing the use of fossil fuel by the existing generation plant
on the island. Under the approved methodology ACM0002 “Consolidated
baseline methodology for grid-connected electricity generation
from renewable sources” (Version 07), the project is calculated
to save about 0.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour generated.

Although there are good wind resources in New Caledonia, infrastructure
is vulnerable to cyclones. The wind turbines in this project have
therefore been specifically designed to be lowered in the event
of an extreme weather alert. The relatively lightweight, guyed
towers can also be lowered to facilitate routine maintenance.

The wind farms have been constructed using existing roads from
former mining sites to minimise local impacts such as erosion.
The project contributes local employment, including over 24 permanent
jobs, reducing migration pressure amongst local Kanak people, and
the company supports community cultural and education initiatives
as well as using the New Caledonia operation as a base for operation
and maintenance of projects across the Pacific region, and for
stimulation of other typhoon-safe turbine projects.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period from 1 Sept 2010 to 31 May 2011,
total greenhouse gas reductions by this project amounted to 26,710
tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Gold
Standard in September 2011 by Germanischer Lloyd Certification
GmbH (documentation available upon request).

Mexico – Wind Power

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Overview: Wind power plant generating renewable energy

The project consists of an array of wind turbines, with a combined generating capacity of 83MW, with associated infrastructure for connection to the Integrated Mexican National Grid. It is located in the Southern state of Oaxaca near the Pacific coast. The project was commissioned in January 2007.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

This Project delivers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the utilisation of existing oil, coal and gas-fired generation facilities, and hence reducing their carbon dioxide emissions. These emission reductions were quantified using the CDM methodology ACM002 version 6, and amount to over 0.625 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for each megawatt of electricity delivered to the grid (net of internal consumption at the site).

The increasing share of local renewable resources provides diversity in the overall generation mix, and reduces import dependency of the fossil-fuel weighted electricity sector in Mexico. The project provides local employment, including 15-20 operational staff and associated contractors.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period for the calendar year 2011, greenhouse gas reductions by this project totalled 63,296 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the UNFCCC criteria by ICONTEC International in May 2012 (Certificate available upon request) and the carbon credits were registered under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) programme.

Indonesia – Hydroelectric power plant

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Overview: Hydroelectric power plant generating renewable
energy.

The project is a run-of-river hydroelectric plant with generating
capacity of 210 MW. The plant uses a natural height difference
of about 400 metres between the upper reaches of two rivers in
Southern Sumatra, thus avoiding the need for a retaining dam and
having no negative impact on local irrigation schemes.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by the project since its
output displaces electricity that would otherwise have been generated
in the existing fossil fuelled power plants in the grid. The assessment
of emission reductions from the project are based on the approved
CDM methodology ACM0002 “Consolidated baseline methodology for
grid-connected electricity generation from renewable sources”,
version 10.

In addition to the documented greenhouse gas emission reductions,
the project has hired 32 permanent employees, as well as providing
numerous contracted out and temporary jobs. Community benefits
include new roads and bridges, waste management facilities, the
donation of a computer to the village office and support to a local
orphanage and the building of a Mosque. The project owner has set
up a reforestation project in the catchment area and the plant
has a program to remove an invasive plant species that harms water
quality.

Project carbon credits

During the monitoring period from April 2009 to March 2010, greenhouse
gas reductions totalled over 568,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (2007)
by RINA S.p.A (documentation available upon request). This project
has also been certified to the Social Carbon Standard, which certifies
emission reduction projects for their contributions to sustainable
development, with particular reference to biodiversity and the
impact on local communities.

Galapagos – Wind power plant

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Overview: Small wind power project generating renewable energy.

The project comprises three wind turbines, with a combined generating capacity of 2.4MW, in an agricultural area on the island of San Cristóbal in the Galapagos Islands. The units have been integrated into an existing diesel-fuelled generating system. The first 3km of power lines have been placed underground to minimise the hazard to the endangered indigenous Galapagos Petrel, and other bird species.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and pollution risk reduction

This project delivers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by displacing the use of diesel fuel by the existing generation plant on the island. In its first year of operation, output of the San Cristóbal Wind project represented 31% of the total island electricity supply. The corresponding emission reductions were quantified using the CDM methodology AMS-I.D.: Grid connected renewable electricity generation (Version 10).

Reduction in the requirement for fuel oil deliveries to the Islands is an important additional benefit in this ecologically sensitive location. The community and the ecosystem have suffered in the past from oil pollution, notably the significant spillage of diesel and fuel oil from the M.V Jessica which was wrecked on the Island in January 2001.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period from 1 October 2007 to 12 May 2008, total greenhouse gas reductions by this project amounted to 970 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (2007) in February 2011 by TÜV Nord (documentation available upon request). This project has subsequently been validated and registered under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) programme.

Honduras – Small Hydroelectric projects

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Overview: Two small hydroelectric power stations, displacing fossil-fuelled generation.

The projects are both small run-of-river hydropower plant, in the North and North-East of Honduras. Each site benefits from satisfactory water resources in the two rivers concerned and the projects have installed generation capacity of 6.1 and 7.8 MW respectively.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by the projects since their generation output displaces electricity that would otherwise have been produced by the existing, predominantly diesel fuelled power plants in the region. The assessment of emission reductions from the project are based on the approved small scale CDM methodology AMS-I.D (Version 6) “Grid connected renewable electricity generation”. The verification report confirms that emissions reductions equivalent to around 0.75 tonnes of CO2 are achieved for each megawatt-hour of electricity exported to the grid

Wider social and economic benefits from the two projects include a total of approximately 40 permanent jobs during the operating period plus indirect employment & training, improved reliability of local electricity supply, and a contribution to national energy security. One of the projects includes a forest management and reforestation plan for the areas surrounding the facility, and an access road that will benefit several local communities.

Project carbon credits

During the year to 31 January 2010, the greenhouse gas reductions by the two projects totalled 32,324 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, though one site suffered interruption due to flooding. These projects were verified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV; Certificate available upon request) and the carbon credits were registered under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) programme.

Turkey – Wind Power

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Overview: Wind power plant generating renewable energy.

The project consists of 5 wind turbines, with a combined generating capacity of 15MW, with associated infrastructure for connection to the Turkish National Power Grid. It is located in the Turkish province of Balikesir near the coast of the Sea of Marmara. The project was commissioned in September 2009.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

This Project delivers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by fossil fuel power plants connected to the Grid. These emission reductions were quantified using the CDM methodology ACM002 version 09 and the guidance provided by the Gold Standard. The increasing share of local renewable resources provides diversity in the overall generation mix, and reduces import dependency of the fossil-fuel weighted electricity sector in Turkey.

The project contributes to local employment, with 7 local employees in place during the operational period and 26 locals amongst the 142 staff recruited by the developers and subcontractors during construction. Air quality improvements arise in proportion to the avoidance of fossil fuel consumption by regional power stations. The potential hazard to local or migratory birds has been carefully monitored by an ornithologist from the Osmangazi University; the three reports showed no evidence of bird collisions or other negative impact.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period from 5 September 2009 to 30 September 2010, greenhouse gas reductions by this project totalled 26,546 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Gold Standard version 2.0 in November 2010 by Bureau Veritas. (Certificate available upon request).

Thailand – Waste to Energy

The project consists of the installation of a new Anaerobic Baffled Reactor in place of a series of open lagoons, to treat wastewater at a starch factory. Biogas from the reactor is used to generate heat to dry the starch product, and there is an enclosed flaring system for excess biogas, so that methane is not released to the atmosphere.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

This Project delivers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in two ways. Firstly, the reactor removes organic material from the wastewater generated by three starch processing plants. The capture & combustion of methane, which would otherwise be released from the degradation of organic material in the open lagoon system, removes a greenhouse gas considered 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Secondly, the biogas produced by the plant is used as a fuel in the boiler generating heat for final dry starch production, thereby displacing some 3 million litres per year of heavy fuel oil otherwise used for this purpose. A smaller quantity of the biogas will be used for electricity generation, with any excess flared.

The Project will deliver further local environmental benefits, including the improvement of final wastewater quality and the reduction in odour/nuisance and groundwater contamination. The project, which employs 22 full time staff, will also serve as a biogas education centre. As a clean technology demonstration project, the economic feasibility and operational performance of this type of biogas reactor can be proven for agro-industries within the SE Asia region.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period from 15 Jan 2007 to 30 Jan 2009, greenhouse gas reductions by this project totalled 83,655 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (2007) in June 2010 by SGS. (Certificate available upon request). Carbon credits from 31 Jan 2009 onwards are registered under the CDM programme.

Brazil – Small Hydroelectric

The projects are two small run-of-river hydropower plants, one in Rondônia State with installed capacity 5MW, and the other in Goiás, with installed capacity of 10.1 MW (now upgraded to 12.6 MW). The run-of-river configuration involves a small reservoir area to store water sufficient to generate electricity for short intervals when required, depending on seasonal river flows.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by the projects since their output displaces electricity would otherwise have been generated in the existing predominantly diesel or gas fuelled power plants in the grid or by the addition of new generation. The assessment of emission reductions from the project are based on the approved small scale CDM methodology AMS-I.D (Version 13 and version 9 respectively) "Grid connected renewable electricity generation".

The plants are both in remote locations and, with minimal environmental impact, provide electricity to help develop the area both socially and economically. Other project benefits include modest local employment and technological support drawn from regional businesses, and the encouragement of similar run-of-river hydroelectric projects elsewhere in Brazil.

Project carbon credits

During the monitoring periods from September 2007 to March 2009 for the Rondônia project and from November 2006 to March 2007 for the Goiás project, greenhouse gas reductions totalled respectively 48,258 and 5,222 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (2007) by DNV and by Bureau Veritas respectively. (Certificates available upon request). For both projects, carbon credits subsequent to the above crediting period are registered under the CDM programme.

Guatemala – Geothermal power, Department of Escuintla

The project is a geothermal power plant, comprising three turbines with a combined installed capacity of 25.2 MW, and can generate over 160,000 MWh per annum. The project utilises the geological resources at the site to generate renewable power, which is then dispatched to the relatively carbon-intensive Guatemalan electricity Grid.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by the project since its output displaces electricity would otherwise have been generated in the existing fossil fuel powered plants in the grid or by the addition of new generation. The CDM baseline and monitoring methodologies used is ACM0002 – “ Consolidated methodology for grid-connected electricity generation from renewable sources” (Version 6), and the monitoring report confirms that around 0.47 tonnes CO2 equivalent are achieved for each megawatt-hour of electricity exported to the grid

Other project benefits include the creation of 20 permanent jobs, and a program to reduce flooding of the local area through the repair of road infrastructure and the reforestation of hillsides with over 5,000 trees. Furthermore, geothermal-derived electricity is relatively free of seasonal or fuel-driven supply fluctuations, so the project increases stability of power supply to consumers and to the national economy.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period from 10 February 2007 to 11 December 2008, total greenhouse gas reductions by this project amounted to 104,344 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (2007) in June 2009 by DNV. (Certificate available upon request). This project has subsequently been validated under the CDM programme.

USA – Power Generation from Landfill Gas

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Overview: Collection and utilisation of landfill gas for renewable power generation.

The project, located at a municipal solid waste landfill site in Massachusetts, recovers landfill gas (“LFG”), and uses it to generate electricity in four Caterpillar engine generators. LFG contains approximately 50% methane, which arises from waste decomposition. Any excess LFG from the collection system is destroyed through a back-up open flare.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and local benefits

Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by the destruction of methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide, which would otherwise be released directly to the atmosphere. The assessment of emission reductions from the project are based on the approved CDM methodology ACM0001 (version 9.1) “Consolidated baseline and monitoring methodology for landfill gas project activites”

Over and above the quantified carbon savings that form the basis for issuance of the carbon credits, the project has a positive impact due to its export of electricity to the power grid. This displaces the use of conventional fossil fuels by regional power stations.

The project has brought local employment both in the construction phase and with ongoing operation and maintenance requirements. Other benefits include the prevention of LFG migration beyond the landfill site and related health hazards.

Project carbon credits

Greenhouse gas emissions reductions by this project during the calendar years 2009 and 2010 totalled respectively 115,765 and 100,150 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (2007) in November 2009 by First Environment inc. (Certificate available upon request).

This project was selected by Yacht Carbon Offset in response to a client request for a USA based project.

Russia – Biomass to Energy , Archangelsk region

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Overview: Biomass to energy project at remote pulp and paper mill.

The project involves the reconstruction and modernisation of boilers and related systems used for process steam generation at the plant. This investment enables an increase in the fraction of biomass waste in the fuel balance of the company, and the reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the use of waste biomass as fuel will reduce the methane emissions resulting from the anaerobic decomposition of this waste in local landfill.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

The independently audited reductions of greenhouse gas emissions achieved by the project would not otherwise have been achieved. This is because there were no serious obstacles for the pulp and paper mill to have continued operations with the existing equipment, at least up to 2012. Other societal benefits associated with the project include the reduction of the mill’s dependence on the fluctuating price of fossil fuels, which in turn will protect the security of heat supply for the local town, for which the paper mill is responsible.

Project carbon credits

In due course the project aims for acceptance under the UN Joint Implementation programme and in the meantime Carbon credits have been verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard by DNV. (Certificate available upon request). During the verification period from 2001 to 2006, annual greenhouse gas reductions by this project averaged just over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Nicaragua – Biomass cogeneration , Chinandega Department

The project is a cogeneration (combined heat and power) plant located at a sugar cane mill in Chinandega Department. The fuel is bagasse, a by-product of the sugar production process, and the cogeneration plant is designed both to maximise the efficiency with which this material is used as a renewable energy source, and to supply additional exports of electricity to the local grid, thereby displacing local fossil-fuelled generation plant.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

The project verification statement confirms that greenhouse gas emissions reductions of approximately 0.71 tonnes CO2 equivalent are achieved for each megawatt-hour of electricity exported to the grid, based on the basis of the approved monitoring methodology AM0015 (Version 01).

Sustainable development benefits of the project include the promotion of bagasse cogeneration as a sustainable source of energy across Nicaragua’s sugarcane industry. The technology is good for the energy strategy of the country given the reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The project will also directly create 35 new jobs on the site.

Project carbon credits

During the verification period from 01 May, 2006 to 31 May, 2007, total greenhouse gas reductions by this project amounted to 79 401 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Carbon credits were verified to the United Nations CDM CER Standard in June 2008 by DNV. (Certificate available upon request).

Brazil – Biomass cogeneration , São Paolo state

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Overview: Biomass cogeneration plant replacing fuel-oil fired boilers

The project is a cogeneration (combined heat and power) plant comprising a new biomass-fired boiler and 8MW turbine, at a cellulose and paper company in São Paulo State. The new plant replaces fuel-oil fired boilers and reduces the host company’s electricity consumption from the grid.
The new boiler burns wood biomass residues.

The project reduces greenhouse gas emissions by substituting the fuel oil that would otherwise be burnt to produce high-pressure steam, and by displacing electricity that would otherwise be generated locally from thermal power stations using fossil fuels. It also consumes biomass residues which would otherwise be dumped or left to decay.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

The biomass cogeneration plant has reduced emissions equivalent to over 64,500 tonnes of CO2 per year, over the relevant period.
These greenhouse gas emission reductions were calculated on the UNFCCC Approved Methodology ACM 0006/version 06 (consolidated baseline methodology for grid-connected electricity generation from biomass residues).

Sustainable development benefits of the project include improved working conditions through reduced employee handling of fuel oil, increased employment opportunities in the locality including a beneficial impact on regional engineering and civil construction sectors, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Project carbon credits

This project was independently assessed to have achieved total emissions savings equivalent to approximately 388,452 tonnes of CO2, during the operating period 2002 to 2007 and carbon credits were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard in March 2008 by SGS. (Certificate available upon request).

China - Wind power, Shanghai Province

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Overview: Wind power displacing fossil fuel power generation

This project generates electricity using renewable wind energy. It consists of two wind farm sites in two counties within the Shanghai Province. The wind resources in these areas are good and on average the turbines generate for over 2,000 hours a year.

The power generated from this project is fed into the Shanghai power grid, which is part of the East China Power Grid. Power generation in the region relies predominantly on fossil fuels, so the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions by using wind power to create energy which would otherwise be generated from these fuels.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

The two wind farms reduce emissions equivalent to approximately 37,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, based on the UN approved ACM0002, consolidated methodology for grid connected electricity generation from renewable sources.

This project contributes to the overall sustainable development goals of China, and has brought job opportunities in constructing and operating the wind farm.

The project contributes towards stimulating and accelerating the commercialisation of grid-connected renewable energy technologies. It also helps to promote the development of wind power markets in East China. The project demonstrates the viability of grid-connected wind farms that use state-of-the-art wind turbine technologies with large output capacities in China.

Project carbon credits

This project is currently seeking United Nations CDM registration, and its historic emission reductions were verified to VCS in December 2007 by TÜV NORD (Certificate available upon request).

India - Wind power, Maharastra

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Overview: Wind power displacing fossil fuel power generation

The project is a wind farm, consisting of 112 wind turbine generators, each with a capacity of between 350KW and 1000KW, with a total generation capacity of 45.2 MW.

The electricity generated by the wind farm is fed into the state electricity grid. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions by displacing electricity that would otherwise be generated locally from thermal power stations using fossil fuels.

Benefits: Emissions reductions and sustainable development

The two wind farms reduce emissions equivalent to approximately 63,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, based on the UNFCCC Approved Methodology ACM 0002/version 04 - Consolidated baseline methodology for grid connected electricity generation from renewable sources.

Sustainable development benefits of the project include its contribution towards meeting the electricity supply deficit in Maharashtra, local natural resource conservation, and the associated rural and infrastructure development in the areas around the project.

The project itself contributes to CO2e abatement and to the more general development of renewable technology and its application locally. It also brings a reduction of other harmful emissions such as SOx, NOx, PM etc. from the local fossil-fueled power stations.

Project carbon credits

This project is being re-submitted for UN CDM approval. Issued carbon credits represent achieved emissions savings equivalent to approximately 401,202 tonnes of CO2 in total, during the operating period 2000 to 2006 and were verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard in October 2007 by TÜV NORD. (Certificate available upon request).

Brazil - Renewable energy, Amazonas

The project is a power plant that generates electricity using waste wood from sustainably managed forests as fuel. The plant is the first of its kind in a region where electricity has traditionally been sourced from diesel fuelled power generators.

The waste wood comes from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forest management and wood processing company. Previously the waste wood was stockpiled and left to decay, eventually emitting methane - a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

By switching from diesel to biomass as fuel for electricity generation, and avoiding methane emissions from biomass decay, the project has reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses by around 165,000 tonnes CO2e per year.

The plant now supplies renewable energy for a local community of around 80,000 people. In addition the project has helped to protect approximately 300,000 hectares of forest.

The term sustainably managed forest means that no more than 20m3 is harvested per hectare every 25 years - equivalent to approximately 5 trees - and that low-impact logging techniques are applied in order to minimise wildlife disturbance. 25% of the forest is set aside for preservation.

Project carbon credits

This is a United Nations approved project, which means the Certified Emission Reductions it generates are Kyoto compliant carbon credits.